Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch as the club considers long-term replacements for captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Netherlands international is approaching the end of his current contract, while defender Joe Gomez is also reportedly on course to leave when his deal expires next June.

According to Football Insider, discussions over new contracts for both players have yet to begin, prompting Liverpool to assess potential defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke explained: “(Centre-back) is an area the team that the Liverpool recruitment team are looking at long-term because of Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation. Joe Gomez is also out of contract next summer as well.”

Liverpool Face Competition For Stuttgart Defender

According to Football 365, via Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Jeltsch, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona.

Previous reports suggested Liverpool could offer €50 million for the young defender, but Stuttgart have reportedly increased their asking price to €60 million.

Barcelona’s interest could complicate Liverpool’s pursuit, particularly because Jeltsch plays in the same position as Ronald Araujo, who is currently on loan at the English club.

Sport also suggested Araujo’s future and the possible activation of his €55 million release clause could be connected to developments surrounding Jeltsch.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey discussed the challenge of managing Van Dijk’s position despite his importance to the team.

He said: “It will always be a tough decision for any manager to drop a talisman and iconic player like Virgil van Dijk from the starting eleven, but this is also where captains are good as well, because they should know themselves whether they’re playing well or not.”

Liverpool’s defensive planning could become a major storyline ahead of next summer, although Jeltsch’s future and Van Dijk’s contractual situation remain unresolved.